Pomegranate Juice for High Blood Pressure

Should people with high blood pressure start sipping pomegranate juice? That might not be a bad idea, according to a recent study.

Juice Lowers Elevated Blood Pressure:

A meta-analysis of eight placebo-controlled trials found that this tangy juice can help control hypertension. Daily consumption lowered systolic blood pressure by an average of about 5 points. That’s in the same ball park as many blood pressure medications. The dose of 240 cc per day or more (approximately one cup) lowered diastolic blood pressure (by approximately 2 points) as well.

How Does Pomegranate Juice Work?

The authors speculate that natural substances in pomegranate juice called flavonoids may improve vascular flexibility. These compounds, similar to those found in cocoa and tea, might reduce blood vessel constriction. In addition, pomegranate flavonoids inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), just as some popular blood pressure medications do. It is not clear, however, which mechanism is responsible for the blood pressure effects of this fruit juice.

The authors conclude that pomegranate juice could be an effective tool for lowering blood pressure when added to anti-hypertensive medications: “it may be prudent to include this fruit juice in a heart-healthy diet.”

Related People's Pharmacy Health Guide

Download these eight pages on the pros and cons of the various medicines used to lower blood pressure. Details on non-drug approaches to blood pressure control such as diet, supplements and special foods.

7 Thoughts Shared

Cindy

northern California

April 11, 2017 at 11:21 am

I am so very pleased at the effect of lowered blood pressure produced by beet juice. I keep daily records. Systolic pressure is down by about 20 points. Diastolic varies but about 5 to 10 points lower. I also actually feel better.

I am looking into powdered beets but with the right type of juicer making juice about every other day is not a problem. Since the taste is not pleasant I guzzle it down but if you add a bit of fruit into the mix or carrots it improves considerably. I take about 5 ounces twice a day.

Jeannie

WI

April 3, 2017 at 3:54 pm

This unsugared juice is the best for my intolerance of dry meat causing spasm in the esophagus. Just a sip takes care of it. But every day, no no! It causes a slow blood clotting factor response with my already slow factor. Good for tenderizing steaks. Try it!

ANN H

March 28, 2017 at 5:30 am

Nancy H

California

March 26, 2017 at 12:10 pm

It may be good for you , but that study isn’t very convincing. A change in BP of 5 points or 2 points?!! That just seems within the normal variation of taking repeated BPs. I am not a proponent of unnecessary meds, but I do think most antihypertensive meds cause more of a decrease than that. (I am a nurse of 40 years.)

Dallas

March 24, 2017 at 8:40 am

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